Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 597,143?
A:
Positive:
1 x 59714337 x 16139
Negative:
-1 x -597143-37 x -16139
A:
Positive:
1 x 59714337 x 16139
Negative:
-1 x -597143-37 x -16139
Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 597,143, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.
1 | 597,143 | |
-1 | -597,143 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 597,143.
Example:
1 x 597,143 = 597,143
and
-1 x -597,143 = 597,143
Notice both answers equal 597,143
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 597,143 and divide it by 2:
597,143 ÷ 2 = 298,571.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 298,571.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 597,143 | |
-1 | -597,143 |
Now, we try dividing 597,143 by 3:
597,143 ÷ 3 = 199,047.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 199,047.6667 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 597,143 | |
-1 | -597,143 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
597,143 ÷ 4 = 149,285.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 149,285.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 597,143 | |
-1 | 597,143 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 37 | 16,139 | 597,143 |
-1 | -37 | -16,139 | -597,143 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator